How to Choose a Coffee Grinder for French Press
By Kiss the Hippo Coffee | London's Premier Specialty Coffee Roastery | Published: 2026-10-19
Category: Buying Guides
Learn what to look for in a coffee grinder for French press, including grind consistency, burr type, and budget. We compare top options from Wilfa and Baratza.
Quick answer
For French press, choose a burr grinder that delivers a consistent coarse grind. The Wilfa Svart is a reliable, affordable option for filter and immersion brewing, while the Baratza Sette 270Wi offers café-level precision if you also make espresso.
Why grind consistency matters for French press
French press uses a coarse grind and a long steep time. If your grinder produces a mix of fine and coarse particles, the fines can over-extract and slip through the mesh, making your coffee muddy and bitter. A consistent grind lets you control extraction and get a cleaner, sweeter cup.
Burr grinders vs blade grinders
Blade grinders chop beans unevenly, creating too many fines for French press. Burr grinders crush beans between two surfaces, giving you a uniform particle size. All three grinders in this guide use burrs, so you can focus on features and price rather than basic quality.
How to decide: 3 rules for choosing a French press grinder
- Rule 1: Prioritise burr type over brand: Only consider burr grinders. Conical or flat burrs both work for French press, but conical burrs (used in the Wilfa Svart and Baratza Sette) tend to produce a more uniform coarse grind with fewer fines. Check the burr material — stainless steel (as in the Wilfa Zense) is durable and stays sharp longer.
- Rule 2: Match grind size adjustment to your needs: French press requires a coarse setting. Stepped adjustment (like the Wilfa Svart) is easy to use and repeatable. Stepless adjustment gives finer control but takes practice. The Wilfa Zense’s stepped system is ideal for switching between recipes without guesswork.
- Rule 3: Set a realistic budget: A capable French press grinder starts around USD 74 for the Wilfa Svart. The Wilfa Zense (USD 135) adds stainless steel burrs and more steps. The Baratza Sette 270Wi (USD 363) is overkill if you only brew French press, but worth it if you also make espresso and want built-in weighing. If your budget is under USD 100, the Wilfa Svart is the clear choice. Above that, consider how often you’ll brew other methods.
Grinders compared
- Wilfa Svart Grinder - Silver: The Wilfa Svart Grinder uses a low-speed motor and produces clean, flavourful results across multiple brew methods, including filter and immersion. Its consistent coarse grind and affordable price make it an excellent choice if French press is your primary brew method.
Wilfa Svart Grinder - Silver - Baratza Sette 270Wi: The Baratza Sette 270Wi features an integrated Acaia scale accurate to 0.1 g and fast, consistent burrs for perfectly measured, uniform grounds. If you also brew espresso, this grinder’s precision and speed justify the higher cost, though its fine-focused burr set is less ideal for very coarse French press grinds.
Baratza Sette 270Wi
Which grinder fits your setup?
Best for
- French press only — Wilfa Svart Grinder (affordable, consistent coarse grind)
- French press plus occasional pour-over — Wilfa Zense Coffee Grinder (more steps, stainless steel burrs)
Not ideal for
- Espresso-focused home baristas who also want French press — consider the Baratza Sette 270Wi only if you need its weighing precision
